DFG: Suspected deer poachers caught red-handed

EL DORADO COUNTY, CA - Blood streaming out of the back of an SUV led to a gruesome discovery and the arrest of two Sacramento men Monday afternoon.

The incident began with multiple 911 calls regarding a tan Toyota SUV on Ponderosa Road near North Shingle Road with blood coming out of the tailgate area and two men inside trying to hide their faces, said Lt. Patrick Foy with the California Department of Fish and Game.

Inside, officers found a recently killed deer that had been shot, as well as a copious amount of blood inside the vehicle and on the two men inside.

Fish and Game officers were called and learned the deer had just been shot on Ponderosa Road and put in the back of the SUV, Foy said. However, the deer wasn't dead and began to struggle in the back of the Toyota. One or both of the men allegedly stabbed the deer to stop its struggle and kill it, Foy said.

The two men, 46-year-old Scott Lee, and 32-year-old Nai Saechao, were arrested for poaching, felony animal cruelty and other violations of laws related to hunting, said Foy.

The suspects were booked into El Dorado County Jail. They posted bail and were released Monday night.